The year 2023 saw a significant resurgence in international travel, leading to a boost in passenger traffic at airports worldwide. Among the notable changes, Dubai International Airport shot up in the global ranking to claim the second spot, a considerable jump from its previous rankings in 2022 and 2019. Tokyo Haneda International Airport also experienced a remarkable increase in passenger traffic, elevating its position from 16th to fifth place in just a year.
According to the preliminary ranking released by the Airports Council International, global airports collectively handled 8.5 billion passengers in 2023, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. Despite this surge, the total number of passengers remains approximately 6% lower than pre-pandemic levels. This indicates that while international travel is making a strong comeback, it is yet to fully recover from the impact of the pandemic.
The resurgence of international travel has particularly benefited airlines with extensive global networks, offering them a welcomed boost in passenger numbers. In contrast, U.S.-based ultra-low-cost carriers that primarily focus on domestic routes have faced challenges in recent months. Although domestic U.S. airports have seen substantial growth in passenger counts, some have slipped in the rankings compared to the pandemic period when international travel restrictions were in place.
Denver International Airport, a key hub for United Airlines, witnessed a notable increase in passenger traffic, with nearly 78 million travelers passing through its gates in 2023. However, the airport’s ranking dropped to sixth place in the ACI’s list, down from third place in the previous year. On the other hand, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, retained its position as the busiest airport globally, serving a staggering 104.7 million passengers.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
2. Dubai International Airport
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
4. London Heathrow
5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport
6. Denver International Airport
7. Istanbul Airport
8. Los Angeles International Airport
9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
10. New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport
The global ranking of passenger traffic in 2023 reflects the shifting landscape of international travel, with certain airports rising in prominence while others face challenges in maintaining their positions. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of travel amidst a recovering economy, the aviation industry must adapt and innovate to meet evolving passenger demands and expectations.